"You know Elysia," Edward said putting his cup of coffee down. "I don't really have an eye for art but your paintings are really good."

"That's what I keep telling her," Gracia said patting her daughter's hand.

"So will you be attending the festivities tomorrow, Edward?" Elysia asked trying to steer the conversation away from her. She really wasn't in the mood to talk about art. She wanted to catch up with Edward.

"Unfortunately, yes," Edward sighed as he thought about the long day ahead. "I'm actually being forced to ride in the same float as Mustang."

"You mean Fuhrer Mustang," Gracia chided lightheartedly pouring more coffee into her cup.

"Actually I really prefer calling him pain-in-the-ass Mustang," Edward said devilishly getting a giggle from Elysia.

"After all these years, you two still get on each other's nerves, yet the Fuhrer completely trusts you," Gracia said.

"We work better that way," Edward said with a shrug. Then with a faraway look in his eyes he added, "But fifteen years since he became Fuhrer. That's a long time." Then coming back to reality, "Well, so far so good, right?" He said getting a little chuckle from Gracia and Elysia.

"I just wish he didn't have to make such a big deal about me having to attend all the festivities. I'm really not looking forward to standing on a parade float," he complained.

"But the people of Amestris will be honored to see you," Gracia said.

"If they wanted to see me so bad they could just go the tavern down the street," Edward said laughing before sipping some coffee.

"I've heard the Fuhrer isn't too happy with your visits there," Gracia said not able to restrain the motherly instinct of reproof. "He doesn't believe it's the sort of place his best General should be spending his time at."

"Maybe, but he drives me to it," Edward defended.

"Why don't you settle down?" Gracia asked slyly.

"No woman in her right mind would put up with me," he said looking at Elysia then diverting his eyes quickly wondering why the hell he had even looked at her. He was glad Elysia hadn't noticed since she was busy pouring herself more coffee. But Gracia noticed the quick look toward Elysia and a worried frown settled on her forehead.

"I'm sure it would be difficult," Gracia continued. "Being a military General doesn't leave you with much free time I imagine."

"No, it doesn't," Edward said sadly and slightly embarrassed. He noticed the look Gracia had given him when he had looked over at Elysia. He hadn't meant to, it just happened. Once again he was glad Elysia didn't notice anything except for the awkward silence that settled upon the three of them. It was clear that this was a conversation nobody wanted to continue.

"How's Alphonse?" Elysia squeaked as soon as Edward's brother popped into her head.

"Good," Edward said sitting up a bit, clearly happy to have had the subject changed. "The last I heard everyone is healthy and happy."

"How many children do Alphonse and Gloria have now?" Elysia asked.

"Five," Edward said. "Great kids too," he added with a proud look on his face.

"That's wonderful! Is he happy in Risembool? What does he do there?" Gracia asked jumping back into the conversation.

"Other than have more kids," Edward laughed as Elysia and Gracia joined him. "He's a teacher now."

"Will he be attending the Fuhrer's ball or any of the festivities tomorrow?" Elysia asked eager to see Al once again after so many years.

"No," Edward said shaking his head. "He's never attended any of the celebrations before, actually." Ed paused before continuing. "Al feels awkward after spending so many years in the armor and traveling with me for that time. Yet none of it is mentioned in the new history books. In fact he's not mentioned at all."

"Not much is," Elysia said disappointed but understood why Al wouldn't want to show up. She guessed there were a lot of people in the military and government who did not know that Alphonse Elric did not reside within the armor physically but that his soul was actually attached to it with alchemy. Elysia had taken an Amestris history course at the lady's college she attended and was shocked to discover how much had actually been covered up by the government regarding the Elric's. She completely understood however. It wouldn't help boost morale for a newly stabilized country to learn that they're hero, Edward Elric, the Fullmetal Alchemist, hero of the people, General of the Fuhrer's army, had performed illegal alchemy resulting in the loss of his leg and arm, not to mention his younger brother's entire body. That such a fact would not be purposefully brought up made Elysia wonder just how open Fuhrer Mustang really was. Considering one of his long standing policies was for an open government and military for the people of Amestris.

The evening ended with all three agreeing that if they drank any more coffee they'd never get any sleep and with Edward promising to dance with both ladies at the ball the following night. Elysia had tried to get some sleep but her restless mind would not let her. All she thought about was Edward and the anticipation she felt about seeing him the next day kept her up most of the night. She didn't understand why Edward occupied her thoughts after such a brief reunion. Sure he's handsome, she thought. But he's always been Uncle Edward, like family and he's much older than me.

But not that much older, a tiny voice in the back of her head would reply whenever she told herself he was too old. There were other doubts about Edward's character that Elysia knew would make it impossible for her to have any feelings towards him other than she would towards a brother. She had heard the rumors of his gambling, drinking and "loose" relationships. Even the fact that her own father had been killed because he had been helping the Elric's in their search of the philosopher's stone. She hated to think along those lines but she couldn't stop herself. But that same voice would disrupt her list of cons against Edward saying "he's only human, nobody is perfect."

"Enough!" She finally exclaimed exasperated as she tossed the blankets away.

"This is ridiculous," she said out loud as she got up and pulled out a sketch pad and pencil case from a suitcase. Dragging a chair over to her window she sat down and looked down at the garden below. I've only been in town for a few hours and I'm already obsessed with someone. Resolving not to think of Edward any more for that night she focused on the garden below and started to sketch. Sketching seemed to do the trick and before she knew it she was slumped in the chair asleep her pad and pencil lying abandoned on the floor.

Edward was having a similar internal conflict of his own. He had never thought much about Elysia before. She had always been like a little sister to him. But now he found himself thinking of her so much that it kept him from sleeping. He turned over onto his right side and felt the coolness of the automail through the pillow thinking maybe being uncomfortable would take his mind off of Elysia. But it didn't work. Sitting up he reached for a cigarette and lit it. Taking a long drag he sat back against the headboard of his bed and closed his eyes.

It's just that I'm happy to see Elysia, he thought to himself. And Gracia, he added so his thoughts didn't linger on Elysia inappropriately. Besides, I was there when she was born, I'm too old and she's always been like a sister, his thoughts continued. I'm tired and easily swayed by a pretty face, but his defense of his own thoughts did nothing to defeat the little voice in his head that told him he was just fooling himself. After some sleep I'll wake up and discover that it's nothing. He put his cigarette out and slid back down to make himself comfortable to sleep. That's what you think, the voice told him just as Edward finally drifted off to sleep.